A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been spared jail following a host of offences.

Gemma Reed carried out a spree of shoplifting and violent offences.

The 38-year-old, of Orchid Place, Basildon, carried out the spree on various dates in January and February this year in Basildon and December last year.

She stole items such as pairs of glasses worth more than £600 from Specsavers, cup cakes belonging to Cake Box, various items from Savers, a Yankee candle gift set from Boots and various items from B&M in December 200.

She also assaulted and harassed various people and resisted being arrested by a police officer.

She received a suspended nine-week prison sentence.

The magistrates’ bench, sitting at Basildon Magistrates’ Court, said: “You committed a large number of offences in a short space of time, many were violent offences causing distress and fear.

“The sentence is suspended as there is a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation - you are now engaging with your GP, Mental Health Practitioners and the Probation Service.”